The NFL, historically avoiding Las Vegas, will now stage its most significant match in the city
In a decade marked by significant changes, the NFL's relationship with Las Vegas has undergone a remarkable transformation. This journey began in 2015, when Bo Bernhard, the director of the UNLV International Gaming Institute, held a secretive meeting with Raiders owner Mark Davis. Bernhard produced a white paper that Davis took to the league, demonstrating Las Vegas as a valuable host city.
Two major events in 2017 and 2018 accelerated this transformation. The approval of the Raiders' relocation to Las Vegas and the overturning of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) by the U.S. Supreme Court opened the doors for the NFL in the city.
Initially, the NFL refused to air a TV commercial by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority during the Super Bowl, despite the ad not mentioning gambling. However, the league has since embraced Las Vegas, hosting events such as the NFL draft and two Pro Bowls in the city.
The relationship between the NFL and Las Vegas has seen a 180-degree turn. Jay Kornegay, vice president of race and sports operations at Westgate Las Vegas, notes this change, stating that it's a far cry from the strained relationship of decades past.
The Super Bowl, the NFL's biggest game, will be held at Allegiant Stadium this Sunday, hosted by the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. Moreover, sports betting ads will air during the game, a testament to the league's acceptance of Las Vegas' unique offering.
The Raiders, who moved to Las Vegas in 2020, are not the only sports team to call the city home. Las Vegas has joined the NHL and WNBA, and has won a combined three championships in both leagues. Even basketball legend LeBron James has expressed interest in owning an NBA team in Las Vegas.
The NFL has partnered with four sports betting companies, further integrating itself into the city's vibrant sports betting culture. The Supreme Court's overturning of PASPA led to states beyond Nevada legalizing sports betting, and now it's legal in 38 states.
Roger Goodell, the league Commissioner, has acknowledged this change, stating that he wouldn't have imagined being in Las Vegas for the Super Bowl 10 years ago. LeVeon Vaccaro, a sportsbook director, echoes this sentiment, stating that he would have lost a bet if someone told him the NFL's biggest game would be next to the Strip.
As the Super Bowl approaches, it's clear that the NFL and Las Vegas have found common ground, paving the way for a brighter future in sports entertainment. This likely won't be the last time the Super Bowl is held in Nevada, according to Goodell. The NFL's embrace of Las Vegas is a testament to the city's growing status as a sports hub.
And the journey doesn't end here. The Oakland Athletics are on their way to Las Vegas, further solidifying the city's position as a sports powerhouse. The NFL's relationship with Las Vegas is a story of transformation, acceptance, and growth, and it's one that continues to unfold.
